Arturo Toscanini (1867–1957) was an Italian conductor considered by his contemporaries and the public to be one of the greatest of his era. He made his debut at the age of 19 and worked with the world’s most prestigious operas, including La Scala in Milan and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He conducted the New Year concert at the Monte-Carlo Opera in 1935. His public life, with an emphasis on freedom and democracy, stood in contrast with the despotism and intransigent perfectionism to which he subjected his musicians.